The holiday season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and delicious treats. However, it’s also a time when oral health can easily take a backseat. Between sugary desserts, festive drinks, and disrupted routines, your teeth face extra challenges during the holidays. Neglecting dental care now can lead to cavities, gum issues, and costly dental visits later. Here’s how to enjoy the season without compromising your smile.  

  Why Holidays Impact Oral Health  

During the holidays, Americans consume 25% more sugar than usual, thanks to cookies, candies, and sweet beverages. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth, producing acids that erode enamel and cause cavities. Add in late nights and travel, and brushing and flossing often get skipped. These factors make the holidays a high-risk period for dental problems. [dentaly.org]  

  Common Holiday Dental Hazards  

• Sugary Treats: Candy canes, fudge, and pies are cavity culprits. Sticky sweets cling to teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay. [hsdm.harvard.edu]  

• Acidic Drinks: Eggnog, cider, and cocktails can erode enamel. Frequent sipping prolongs exposure to sugar and acids.  

• Hard Foods: Nuts in shells or hard candies can crack teeth or damage fillings. [www1.delta...talins.com]  

Tips for a Healthy Holiday Smile  

1. Stick to Your Routine: Brush twice daily for two minutes and floss once a day, even when traveling!  

2. Enjoy Treats Wisely: Eat sweets with meals, not as snacks, to reduce the risk of acid attacks on enamel.  

3. Stay Hydrated: Drink water after sugary or acidic foods to rinse away particles and neutralize acids.  

4. Choose Smarter Snacks: Cheese, nuts, and crunchy veggies help clean teeth and stimulate saliva.  

5. Don’t Use Teeth as Tools: Avoid opening packages or cracking nuts with your teeth to prevent fractures. [www1.delta...talins.com]  

 The holidays should be filled with joy, not dental emergencies. By making mindful choices and maintaining your oral care routine, you can savor the season without sacrificing your smile. Schedule a post-holiday check-up with UPD Dental Associates to start the new year with healthy teeth! 

Sources: 

1. Harvard School of Dental Medicine. “Maintaining Your Oral Health During the Holiday Season.” Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 22 Nov. 2022, https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/news/maintaining-your-oral-health-during-holiday-season. [hsdm.harvard.edu] 

2. Delta Dental. “5 Tips to Keep Your Teeth Healthy Over the Holidays.” Delta Dental, https://www1.deltadentalins.com/wellness/healthy-habits/articles/holiday-healthy-teeth.html. [www1.delta...talins.com] 

3. Dentaly.org. “Dental Tips for the Holidays, Tricks and Products for a Healthy Smile.” Dentaly, 22 Mar. 2025, https://www.dentaly.org/en/dental-tips-holidays-2/. [dentaly.org] 

Written by Michael Ferris